Get a Little Wins Natural Health Beauty Award

Pür Minerals’ critically acclaimed self-tanning lotion, Get a Little, received yet another award—this time from NaturalHealthMag.com, the online voice of Natural Health magazine. Recognized as a leading healthy lifestyle guide, Natural Health has been testing beauty products and selecting the best of the best for five years now, with the help of a panel of dermatologists and thousands of voting readers.

Winning the award for Best Self-Tanner, Get a Little continues to wow both the beauty media and the public at large with brilliant results and a health-conscious ethos. This luxurious bronzing lotion imparts a natural, sun-kissed look—never orange or streaky—in just one to three days. Free of chemical dyes and formaldehyde, Get a Little conditions skin with nourishing aloe and vitamin E as it gradually deepens skin tone, leaving the skin radiantly refreshed with a subtle, citrus scent.

FREE Fall Favorites!

Get Fall’s Hot, New Must-Haves -- FREE!

From now until 9/28/09, you can get fall's hottest looks straight off the runway and absolutely FREE with minimum purchase at PurMinerals.com.

Spend $75 and receive the complete fall look, including:
-    NEW Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink
-    Mineral Eye Defining Pencil in Smoky Graphite
-    Pressed Mineral Shadow in Chrome Cryolite
-    Plus, FREE Standard Shipping on this and all purchases of $50 or more
($44.50 VALUE)

Enter promo code FALL75 at checkout.

Spend $50 and get:
-    NEW Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink
-    Mineral Eye Defining Pencil in Smoky Graphite
-    Plus, FREE Standard Shipping on this and all purchases of $50 or more
($31.50 VALUE)

Enter promo code FALL50 at checkout.

Spend $25 and get:
-    NEW Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink
($15.00 VALUE)

Enter promo code FALL25 at checkout.

Valid through 9.28.09 at PurMinerals.com, or while supplies last. This offer cannot be combined with any other Pür Minerals offer or promotion. Not valid on prior purchases. Pür Minerals reserves the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time.

Rant: Snuggie Makes Fashion Week Debut

The fashion family tree got another black sheep this week—the Snuggie. Making its New York Fashion Week debut (yes, you read correctly), the couch-warming, blanket-bathrobe combo unveiled its new color and design palette, which includes exotic animal prints, tie-dye and camouflage for a triple threat of tacky. While the basic design remained largely unchanged (why mess with a winner?) the fabric got an upgrade to what the company calls its “luxury microplush”—two words that should never be paired together. Ever. Under any circumstance.

Didn’t we learn anything from leg warmers and parachute pants? As someone who survived the 80s, there are whole photo albums that I keep under lock and key (and some fad-clad moments that I plan on taking to the grave). Sure, everyone likes to kick back in the comfort of their own home, but when did it become ok—no—when did it become socially acceptable to traipse around in safari-print, “microplush” muumuus like modern-day Fred Flintstones? We’re not in Bedrock anymore, Toto.

I know, its cheesiness is part of its charm, and the whole Fashion Week debut was very tongue-in-cheek. But seriously, this is how bad fads get their start. And what’s worse: we should know better. I’m sure the legions of Flashdance wannabes circa 1983 had no idea that their leg wear would set off a national craze, but this is different. This time we can actually see the fashion train wreck in snuggly, slow motion. The only question is: do we move out of the way or jump onboard?

Get a FREE Travel Makeup Brush Set!

Get a FREE Travel Makeup Brush Set with your purchase of any full-sized Universal Marble Powder!  

Travel Set contains essential Eye Shadow, Blush and Lip Brushes for expert application with on-the-go portability.

Enhance eyes, cheeks and lips all in one with multi-tasking Universal Marble Powder. Choose your shade to bronze, blush or brighten, and enter the matching promo code below to receive your complimentary brush set.

Bronze – Gives skin a sun-kissed glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Use promo code BRUSHBRONZE at checkout.

Pink – Illuminates and evens out the skin tone to restore that rosy, pink glow. Use promo code BRUSHPINK at checkout.

Spice – This mosaic blend of cinnamon, copper and pearl is ideal for all skin tones. Use promo code BRUSHSPICE at checkout.

Hurry—Offer expires 9.17.09!

Matte Adore

Are No-Gloss Nails the Next Big Thing?

According to a handful of beauty boutiques (and even some big retailers)—including Essie, Knock Out and Zoya—the answer is a loud, flat “yes.” With sheen-free lines poised to take center stage this fall, these and other color makers are hoping the season’s darker, more provocative fashion palette will help the look gain mass appeal.

While matte polishes have been around for a few years now—Chanel launched its Black Satin polish in 2006—the trend has so far failed to break the megawatt mainstream. Instead, the look has gone underground, where flat charcoals, gunmetals and slates have gained an almost cult following in punk and indie rock scenes.

However, with more companies jumping on the bandwagon—not to mention celebrities from Miley Cyrus to Jennifer Garner donning no-gloss nails in photo shoots—fall 2009 could be the matte look’s time to—ironically enough—shine.

For those considering taking the road less polished, good first-time bets include satin blacks, charcoals and reds. These colors not only pair well with a wider range of fall/winter looks, but are also more forgiving to those not used to the shine-free look. Keep in mind when comparing colors that matte hues reflect light differently from glosses (and sometimes from each other). You can go from velvety slate to car primer gray pretty fast, so finding the right color is essential.

For those who want to try their hand at this new trend but don’t want invest in a whole new palette, InStyle magazine recommends using your regular base coat as a top coat to tone down the sheen. Dully noted.

Tips for Healthy Fall Skin

With the sweltering dog days of summer finally behind us, the cool, crisp autumn months come as a welcomed relief. However, as the mercury drops, so does the humidity. As Mother Nature dials down the heat and dries out the air, the change in weather can be a roller coaster ride for your skin. Here are just a few things you can do to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in the months ahead:

Exfoliate Often
If you’re constantly reapplying moisturizer throughout the day, the problem may not be your moisturizer—it may be your skin. As skin cells dry out and die, they form a layer over healthy skin that’s difficult to penetrate. That’s why regular exfoliation is extra important during the drier months. If your moisturizer doesn’t seem to be pulling its weight, pump up your exfoliating regimen with a gentle total body scrub like Pür Polish. And, as always, be sure to moisturize immediately after.

Mind Your Moisturizer
You might’ve gotten away with a thin, water-based moisturizer in the summer months. But as the humidity goes into hibernation, so should weak moisturizers. Instead of water-based lotions that evaporate in dry weather, look for a rich, natural oil-based cream like Mineral Moisture Complex that will lock moisture in and keep the elements from sucking you dry. Rich in sunflower seed oil, this luscious night cream offers deep hydration without pore-clogging petroleum or synthetic oils.

Ban Hot Showers and Baths
While there’s nothing better than soaking in a hot bath after braving the cold, this common indulgence could be taking a toll on your skin. Hot showers and baths can actually break down the skin’s lipid barrier—a fatty layer that traps moisture inside the skin—leaving it dehydrated.  Instead, use warm water and be sure to moisturize afterward. For chapped or cracked skin, adding baking soda or oatmeal to your bath can spell instant relief (not to mention relaxation).

Wearing White After Labor Day

While it’s been long said that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day, the origin of this fashion faux pas is shrouded in mystery. Originally intended only for dress shoes and pumps, at some point the “rule” was extended to include all white clothing. However, as newer generations of fashionistas continue to push the envelope, many are questioning the shelf life of this once summer-only color. Here’s the scoop on this white-hot topic:

White Shoes
With the exception of sneakers, most white footwear—especially open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops—should be retired after the first Monday in September. Besides clashing with the generally darker, heavier fall/winter wardrobe, these patently summer articles are often made of lighter material that’s simply unfit for the colder months.

White Tops
When it comes to white tops (and dresses), pretty much anything that can be described as strappy, stringy, beachy or breezy is out. (Same goes for anything linen.) However, heavier collared dress shirts and off-white sweaters (think oatmeals and creams) can lend a chic, smart contrast to darker bottoms. More often than not, the material—not the color—should decide what to save and what to stow away.

White Jeans
While some fashion experts insist that white denim is a summer-only trend, others claim it’s a year-round look—as long as it’s paired properly and worn in moderation. Matched with leather boots and a dark (read: black) sweater or blazer, white skinny or straight jeans (save the flares for summer) can create a sophisticated black-on-white look that even the strictest fall fashion police won’t question.

Fab Fall Hairstyles

What better way to complement your chic new fall wardrobe than with a fresh, new hairstyle for fall? Check out these fabulous ‘dos for a few quick, easy ways to give your locks a luscious makeover.

Center Part
Sleek center parts are the star of the season, seen on nearly every runway from the Gap to BCBG. The style is sexy and sophisticated with a hint of flower child thrown into the mix, but best of all—it’s practically effortless to achieve. Just be sure to keep your locks in tip-top shape if they’re long and flowing. Avoid blow dryer overkill to keep hair healthy; besides, a slight wave adds movement and life to this style.

Sculpted Up-Dos
Seriously sculpted up-dos are huge this season—literally—mostly due to the seemingly omnipresent 80s redux fashion trend. But don’t break out the Aquanet and spray your bangs into a three-foot wave just yet. This season, designers and stylists have reinterpreted “power hair” for the 21st century, presenting styles that are hip, modern and strong. Think high, voluminous buns and rounded, textured up-dos reminiscent of Princess Anne.

Side Chignons
The side chignon is both elegant and stylish—and a great look for day or night. Start by parting hair on the side and pulling your locks back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Then, loosely twist the hair and loop it upward, winding into a doughnut shape. Secure with bobby pins and add a bejeweled clip (tortoise shell clips look great for less formal affairs). Finally, pull a few small strands of hair from the front to frame your face for a delicate, wispy finish. 

Pixie Crops
Cutting your hair short is a great way to get rid of summer’s UV-induced dead ends and revitalize your locks for the new season. More interesting and even lower maintenance than the standard bob, pixie cuts are ideal for everyone from young professionals to moms on the go. To mix things up, have your stylist add choppy layers for more texture and dimension. Use styling wax to enhance the layered pieces, pulling them forward to frame your face.

How to Design the Perfect Smoky Eye

Classic yet modern, both elegant and edgy, the smoky eye is arguably the coolest thing that you can do with your makeup for fall. And this season, the beauty staple has returned with a street-chic, everyday appeal that’s great for day or night. Follow these simple steps to achieve the most fashionable of all eye looks.

1. Begin by moisturizing the delicate skin around your eyes. Use either your daily moisturizer or an eyelid primer to hydrate skin and prevent creping.

2. Next, create a base by applying a soft, semi-neutral shade of eye shadow. Use an eye shadow brush to sweep over your entire lid up to your brow bone. 

3. Then, add depth and definition by applying a bolder shade into the crease of the eye. Use the Crease Brush to work the shadow into the crease of your eye with a sweeping motion. (This should be a back and forth, windshield wiper motion.) Remember, blending is crucial.

4. Line your upper lash line with a waterproof eye pencil or gel eyeliner, depending on the amount of intensity you're going for. Start from the inside and work your way out, lining a little thicker in the middle. To take your smoky eye to the next level, go back over your eyeliner with a complementary eye shadow shade. Apply it over top of the liner and blend the colours together to achieve that sultry, smoky effect.

5. Finish off your smoky eyes with a lengthening, thickening mascara.

Remember to have fun with your look. Gray and black shadows and liners are perfect for a smoky eye, but you’re choices aren’t limited to these classic colours. Try jewel tones like purple and green for a fresh, modern take on the classic smoky eye. Check out our Get the Look page for more tips on how to create fall's colourful smoky eye.